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About this quote

What does it mean?
Teaching people to speak truth requires teaching them to listen to it.
In plain terms
You cannot teach truth unless you teach people to listen to it.
What can you take from it?
Hearing truth is as important as speaking it.

Where it applies

  • classroom
  • workplace
  • relationships

Putting it to work

  • listen actively
  • accept feedback
  • practice honesty

Questions to consider

  • Are you willing to hear hard truths?
  • How do you encourage honest talk?

Another view

Some contexts may not allow for open dialogue or safe listening.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. There are, in every age, new errors to be rectified, and new prejudices to be opposed.

    Permalink to quote #50
  2. Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

    Permalink to quote #52
  3. It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.

    Permalink to quote #49

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  3. I pretend to listen:.what more does she want?

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